Poem by William Cowper

Olney Hymn 40. Peace after a Storm

    When darkness long has veil'd my mind,
        And smiling day once more appears, 
    Then, my Redeemer, then I find
        The folly of my doubts and fears.

    Straight I upbraid my wandering heart,
        And blush that I should ever be 
    Thus prone to act so base a part,
        Or harbour one hard thought of Thee!

    Oh! let me then at length be taught
        What I am still so slow to learn, 
    That God is love, and changes not,
        Nor knows the shadow of a turn.

    Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!
        But when my faith is sharply tried, 
    I find myself a learner yet,
        Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

    But, O my Lord, one look from Thee
        Subdues the disobedient will, 
    Drives doubt and discontent away,
        And Thy rebellious worm is still.

    Thou art as ready to forgive
        As I am ready to repine; 
    Thou, therefore, all the praise receive;
        Be shame and self-abhorrence mine. 

1. Olney Hymn 9. The Contrite Heart
2. A Comparison. Addressed to a Young Lady
3. To a Young Friend, on His Arriving at Cambridge Wet, When No Rain Had Fallen There
4. An Epitaph
5. Hope

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